In a surprising forecast, Mike Farrell of Mike Farrell Sports has predicted that Kalen DeBoer, in his inaugural season as Alabama’s head coach, will miss out on a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth.
According to Farrell, DeBoer will lead the Crimson Tide to a 9-3 record, failing to secure a spot in the SEC Championship game and, consequently, the CFP. This prediction is likely to unsettle Alabama fans, who have grown accustomed to success under former coach Nick Saban.
Farrell identified six Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams, including Auburn, that could potentially defeat Alabama in the upcoming season.
Auburn, under head coach Hugh Freeze, is considered a significant threat alongside Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, LSU, and Oklahoma. Farrell’s analysis suggests that Alabama could lose to three of these teams, making their path to the playoffs even more challenging.
Auburn’s schedule includes matchups against three of the teams Farrell mentioned, as well as the much-anticipated Iron Bowl against Alabama. While Auburn’s chances of making the playoffs in 2024 are uncertain, Freeze’s recruiting efforts are beginning to draw attention, potentially positioning the Tigers for a stronger postseason run in the coming years.
Meanwhile, DeBoer faces a daunting schedule with tough away games at Wisconsin, Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma, alongside challenging home games against Georgia and Missouri.
Despite the challenges, some insiders believe that Alabama’s roster, composed of elite players from the Saban era, may help DeBoer navigate his first year with the Crimson Tide successfully. However, to remain in the good graces of Alabama’s fanbase, DeBoer will need to quickly meet the high expectations set by the “Bama Standard.”
